Well Advised or Contentious

The Sapphire Review Vol. 1 | No. 30 • December 13, 2024

Dec 13, 2024

Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.
Proverbs 13:10, KJV

THE CUNNING OF PRIDE

Pride is perhaps the most elusive and adaptive of all the foes that we find within the carnal nature of our flesh. Submission to God is the only way to overcome the many faces that are brought forth by the temptations of pride.1

During the highest of highs of our lives, the lowest of lows, and everywhere in between, we find that the temptations of pride are present. As our circumstances change, so does the cloak by which pride girds itself.

In bearing our crosses2 and being fully surrendered to Jesus, our example in humility,3 we can discern the often soft and melodious tones of pride. Once discerned, we can cast off and resist its call. Those who are not fully surrendered can find themselves being unknowingly drawn into a place where they are standing in opposition to the Most High.

“The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.” (Prv 3:34, Brenton LXX En)

CONTENTION, THE FRUIT OF PRIDE

When pride is submitted to, its fruit cannot help but be evident. Though unseen by the one who has locked arms with pride, the results of such an illicit relationship cannot be kept hidden from all in a church where the spirit of Christ reigns.

A seed planted must bear reciprocal fruit.4 Contentions are one of the fruits of evidence that come forth from a heart where pride has been allowed some degree of reign. If all were esteeming others as better than themselves and seeking to have the mind of Christ,5 no contention could exist, or at least not for very long.

THE WELL ADVISED

With the well advised is wisdom. This is contrasted with the contentions of the proud. Those who study the word of God and earnestly seek to have their lives and characters molded to its standards will be well advised. They will have wisdom and discernment by which they are equipped to recognize and resist the calls of pride.

Those who seek counsel from multiple brothers or sisters (and not just those who are most likely to agree with or pander them), who are seasoned in the faith and have shown themselves to be discerning, mature, and Christlike, will also become well advised. Through the counsel received and prayerful reflection, they will become fortified against the blind spots in character where pride often lurks.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, KJV)

LOVING ADMONITION

If a speck has been lovingly pointed out in the eye of a humble person by a brother or sister who has removed a beam from their own eye,6 in the end, this person will rejoice, praise God, express gratitude, and grow in wisdom and Christlikeness.7

On the other hand, the person who has made a comfortable place for pride in their hearts will see that they have done no wrong and will turn and trample the words of the brother or sister that were given for the help and sake of their soul.8 When pride has not been uprooted, such a person will respond to admonitions with excuses, justifications, deflections, and insincerity. It is only a matter of time before the fruit of contention is seen. If left unchecked, a root of bitterness is sure to be nearby.9

REFLECTION

Where there is contention, let a brother or a sister evaluate themselves before God to see if there may be a presence of pride. The God who searches the heart is sure to reveal all to the one who truly desires to see.

There is much work to be done outside of the church. Let us all be on guard in our own hearts, that there be nothing within us to break up the brotherly love and unity that should be between us all in Christ Jesus.10

PRAYER

May God help us to be united with one another in the faith, and to be fully and wholly surrendered, that we may overcome all pride and give no place for contention. May He lead us and keep us upon the road of being humble and well advised.